We’ve been in the profession a long time, giving us the opportunity to work with many great Directors, Presidents & CEOs. We’re especially proud of our work with leaders new to their roles in places like Denver, Toronto, L.A., and Indianapolis. It’s been a chance to help guide where they want to take their organizations over the next decade. We get to think big and chart a course towards greater mission impact. Through visioning, strategic planning, and mission development, it’s an exciting time for us to work with them to engage their teams and boards, listen to their communities, and cultivate relationships as they settle into their new positions. We’ve developed a bit of a specialty advising new leaders—including working with four of them this past year.
They may have only been at the helm for a short time, but they’re making things happen at their organizations, in the profession, and in their communities. They’re advancing the ball on conservation, actively saving wildlife, and improving animal welfare. They’re adding new attractions and making a name for themselves.
Take a look at the accomplishments of these leaders—all of whom would probably deflect credit from them to their teams (as good leaders do). If these are the kinds of things already happening when they’ve been in their jobs less than two years, we can’t wait to see what else is in store. With people like these leading our zoos, the profession is in good hands.
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Indianapolis Zoo – Robert Shumaker, President/CEO; Rob took on the CEO role in December 2019. Click to read the press article: Indianapolis Zoo Now International Hub for Species Conservation Efforts—The Zoo partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Special Survival Commission (SSC) to establish the first Global Center for Species Survival. This new center will enhance the efforts of SSC wildlife experts worldwide working to save threatened species, transforming the Zoo’s ability to make a difference in protecting the natural world. Zoo Advisors is pleased to be working with Rob on their new strategic plan.
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Los Angeles Zoo – Denise Verret, Chief Executive and Director; Denise became Director in the summer of 2019. Click to read the press article: Los Angeles Zoo Helping Boost California Condor Population—Scientists at the LA Zoo were determined to save the California condor from extinction, and with the help of Zoo funding, created several innovative methods in their conservation breeding program to ensure new generations of birds learned the survival skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Zoo Advisors is helping the Zoo craft a new mission and vision.
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Denver Zoo – Bert Vescolani, President/CEO; Bert was named President in the fall of 2018. Click to read the press article: New Animal Hospital at Denver Zoo Halfway Complete—The new 22,000-square-foot hospital is almost double the size of the current one, with public viewing windows, a diagnostic lab, indoor and outdoor holding and quarantine spaces, and one of the only animal hospital CT scanners in the country. Zoo Advisors just completed a strategic plan crafting a new mission, vision, and strategic priorities for the Zoo.
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Toronto Zoo – Dolf DeJong, CEO; Dolf joined the Zoo as CEO in the fall of 2018. Click to read the press article: Toronto Zoo Debuts “Terra Lumina” Multimedia Exhibit—Lights, lasers, music, smoke machines, and more will transport visitors to the year 2099 and immerse them in a story about conservation and hope that sees “human living in harmony with nature”. Zoo Advisors is wrapping up the development of the Zoo’s new strategic plan.
